Swiss rail - Supersaver tickets

[albatross710]

Switzerland public transport has a well deserved reputation for punctuality and reliability. This reputation comes at a price.

For the locals and longer term travellers, they take advantage of half price cards and other discount arrangements. For adhoc travellers such as us we are often buying the tix at station vending machines at the full rate.

Prior to our most recent trip I searched for options via the SBB: Der Bahnhof im Internet: Fahrplan, Billette, Abos, Ausflüge. and found they have introduced a new SuperSaver fare. In return for booking a couple of days in advance and committing to travel on specific timed services (and subject to availability) a 60% saving can be made on a fare.

I was able to reduce the fare for four of us from CHF164 down to CHF86. (AUD saving of about $85)

The fare isn't available at the stations or even on their iPhone app. Only via their online webstore. If you are travelling in Switzerland I can recommend the tix.

Here are the T&Cs from their website.

[h=1]Supersaver ticket.[/h]Supersaver tickets offer attractive prices for selected connections. They are only available online throughout the offer period and are limited in number. They will be on sale until 30 June 2013. Supersaver tickets are ideal for leisure travel, which is why they are not available via SBB Businesstravel.
Types.

• 1st and 2nd class. However, they may not always be available for both 1st and 2nd class services on a particular route.
• Full fare: supersaver tickets are up to 60% cheaper than standard tickets.
• Reduced fare: for holders of Half-Fare travelcards, children aged 6 to 16, and children under the age of 6 travelling alone. (Children under 6 years of age accompanied by an adult travel free of charge.) You can buy a Supersaver ticket for your dog at the reduced price of a 2nd class ticket. The ticket must be registered in the name of the dog’s owner.

Date of travel.

• A Supersaver ticket is only valid for the selected date of travel and train.

Special conditions for Supersaver tickets.

• The number of Supersaver tickets is limited.
• Supersaver tickets may be purchased no more than 14 days before the desired date of travel.
• Supersaver tickets are available for SBB regional and long-distance services (not including routes covered by regional transport systems) as well as for selected routes of various partner railways.
• Supersaver tickets are also available for connecting services.
• Supersaver tickets are only available online at the SBB Ticket Shop and are to be printed out as OnlineTickets by the purchaser (print@home).
• It is not possible to upgrade class, change routes or change trains using a Supersaver ticket.
• Supersaver tickets can neither be refunded nor exchanged.
• Junior and Grandchild travelcards are valid in combination with Supersaver tickets.
• Supersaver tickets will be available for sale until 30 June 2013. The last date of travel with Supersaver tickets is 14 July 2013.

Here you will find the answers to any other questions you may have regarding Supersaver tickets: FAQ: SBB Supersaver Tickets.
Subject to price, product and timetable changes.

 

[PLC]

Switzerland public transport has a well deserved reputation for punctuality and reliability.

I am told it runs like clockwork.